What is a solvent?

A solvent is defined as the liquid that dissolves another substance, which is known as the solute. This definition highlights the role of the solvent in creating a solution, where the solvent is typically present in a greater amount compared to the solute. For example, when salt is added to water, water acts as the solvent because it is the liquid that facilitates the dissolving of the salt.

Understanding this concept is crucial in chemistry, as the properties of solutions and their behaviors depend heavily on the nature of the solvent. Solvents can vary widely in their characteristics and can be polar (like water) or nonpolar (like oil), influencing how effectively they dissolve various solutes. Recognizing the correct definition of a solvent helps in grasping fundamental concepts in solution chemistry, which is essential for further study in physical science.